How To Ship a TV of Any Size (And Not Break It)

You’ve got a TV to ship—and it needs to get to its destination in one piece. 

Whether it’s a small flat-screen or a large wall-mounted TV, knowing how to ship it lowers the risk of a cracked screen or other damage that hurts customer satisfaction. 

How to ship a TV of any size in 9 steps 

Because TVs have so many fragile components (display panels, main boards, circuitry, speakers, etc.) they need special care for shipping. You can’t just put them in boxes with bubble wrap, cross your fingers, and hope for the best. 

Here’s how to make sure your TV gets to its destination safe and sound—regardless of its size. 

1. Understand the risks of shipping a tv

Be aware that shipping a TV is risky. These are fragile devices with delicate components like display panels, circuit boards, and speakers that can easily break during transit. Without proper packaging and handling, even minor bumps or jolts can cause significant damage.

The biggest risks when shipping a TV include:

• Screen cracks or damage
• Internal component breakage
• Frame warping or bending
• Connection port damage

Choosing the wrong box size, using inadequate padding materials, or improper packing techniques dramatically increases the chances of damage. If you want to increase the chance your TV reaches its destination in one place, the safest option is to enlist professional help.

PRO TIP: Carriers like UPS and FedEx offer specialized packaging and shipping services. They have the expertise and materials to properly pack and transport TVs of all sizes. 

But if you want to handle the process yourself, don’t worry. We’ve put together a detailed guide to help your TV arrive safely. 

2.  Select your shipping carrier 

Popular carriers like FedEx, UPS, and the US Postal Service (USPS) all offer standard shipping, plus expedited options. Each is equipped to handle your TV, though prices vary.

Here’s some important information about how each service handles TV shipments:

Ultimately, the carrier you choose largely depends on personal preference. However, there are a few factors to consider that may influence your decision:

• Weight and size restrictions: Larger TVs may exceed USPS limits, so FedEx and UPS are better choices.
• Cost: USPS is usually cheaper for smaller, lighter items, while FedEx and UPS handle larger items with more care but at a higher price.
• Insurance and protection: FedEx and UPS offer better options for insured, protected shipping, especially for fragile items.
• Speed and tracking: FedEx and UPS provide detailed tracking and faster delivery options, important for valuable electronics.

3.  Remove stands, mounts, and cords 

Before packing your TV, remove any external attachments.

• If your TV has a stand, detach it from the base.
• For wall-mounted TVs, take them down from the mount.
• Unplug all cords and cables connected to the TV, including power cords, HDMI cables, and any other accessories. 

Make sure your TV is turned off and unplugged before you start disconnecting things to reduce the risk of damage.

PRO TIP: To make it easier for the recipient to put the TV back together when it arrives, consider labeling cables, screws, and other small components that can easily be mixed up. 

4.  Choose the right packing materials 

If you still have the original box the TV came in, that’s the ideal packaging to use for shipping. But if you don’t have the original packaging, choose a sturdy box specifically made for shipping TVs.

ALERT: TV moving boxes aren’t suitable for shipping TVs. While sturdy, these boxes are designed for the gentler handling of a move. Shipping a TV via parcel services like UPS or FedEx requires packaging that can withstand much rougher treatment to ensure safe arrival.

Here are a few places you can get a box for shipping a TV:

• Boxes4U
• UPS
• FedEx

If you’re in doubt, visit a local FedEx or UPS and get their guidance on the best box for your specific TV. You’ll also need plenty of padding materials to prevent damage during shipping: 

• Corner protectors
• Foam inserts
• Styrofoam packing peanuts
• Bubble wrap
• Furniture pads

For more reliable protection, fill the bottom of your box with 2 inches or more of polyurethane foam, molded polystyrene foam, or similar packing materials. 

5.  Pad the TV

Proper padding is crucial to protect your TV during shipping.

Start by wrapping the entire TV in foam sheets or bubble wrap, paying special attention to the corners and edges. These areas are particularly vulnerable to impact damage.

Add extra layers of padding around the screen to guard against cracks and scratches.

6.  Position the TV in the box 

When your TV is ready to be packed up, keep it upright and place it in the center of the box. Surround it with padding material to prevent movement during transit. If you see gaps or empty space in the box, fill those in with padding materials so the TV won’t slide or tilt during transit.

Avoid laying your flat-screen TV down while packing it up: It puts added pressure on the screen, increasing the risk of damage. Once it’s packed, keep the box upright.

What should you do with your TV’s peripherals? 

Smaller items, like remote controls and cords, can go in the box with your TV. You could pack these items in a smaller box or plastic bag so they won’t move much during shipping. 

Larger peripherals, such as TV stands or wall-mount brackets, should go in a separate box to avoid damaging the TV.

7. Double-box the TV (optional)

For larger TVs or when shipping over long distances, double boxing provides superior protection.

1. First, pack the TV in a box that fits it snugly, with padding on all sides.
2. Then, place this box inside a larger box, with at least 2 inches of cushioning material on all sides.
3. Fill any empty spaces in the outer box with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting.

8.  Seal the box 

Use heavy-duty packing tape to seal up the box on the top and bottom. Go over all seams with tape to help keep the box securely closed during shipping. 

You might also want to reinforce all edges and corners of the box for more stability, especially when shipping larger TVs. 

9.  Label your package

Of course, your package will need a shipping label that contains the recipient’s address. You’ll get this from your carrier.

You’ll also want to place “Fragile” and “This Side Up” labels on the box to let the carrier know that it contains delicate items. Having “This Side Up” labels helps prevent the box from being placed on its side or the wrong way up, which increases the risk of damage.  

Tips for shipping your TV successfully 

Beyond effectively packing your TV, there are a few other factors to keep in mind before handing your TV over to your chosen carrier for best results:

• Destination (international or domestic)
• Shipping insurance
• Tracking  

Consider international vs. domestic shipping needs

When shipping internationally, you may need to factor in customs regulations and customs duties. Your package will need to clear customs to comply with the destination country’s regulations. You may also need to pay customs duties or taxes, increasing the overall cost to ship your TV.

Sending a TV internationally may also come with longer transit times, so plan accordingly if it needs to arrive by a certain date. To account for the extra time spent in transit, consider using additional packaging as reinforcement.  

PRO TIP: Shipping your TV within the U.S.? If so, you don’t need to worry about extra steps like clearing customs. However, depending on your carrier, you may need to consider factors like shipping zones, weight, and the customer’s preferred fulfillment speed.

Decide if you need to insure the shipment 

Standard-size LED TVs (ranging from about 55–75+ inches) can easily cost hundreds of dollars, with larger ones costing thousands. If something happens to your TV during shipping, that’s a costly item to replace. Buying insurance or using a shipper’s declared value may give you some peace of mind, especially for a brand-new TV. 

Many shipping companies, including FedEx, UPS, and USPS, offer declared value for high-value items, like TVs. This way, if the TV is damaged en route to the customer, you can provide proof of damage and receive reimbursement from the carrier. 

PRO TIP: The cost of insurance depends on the value of your item. To determine this value, consider the original cost of your TV, its age, and how much it would cost you to replace it. After you assess its value, choose the appropriate insurance coverage to cover its value in case it’s lost or damaged. 

Set up tracking for the package 

FedEx, UPS, and other major shippers offer tracking tools so shippers and recipients can monitor the package’s location. To track your shipment on the carrier’s website or app, you typically need only the tracking number. 

You might also have the option to set up notifications that keep you informed about your package’s delivery status. This can help you stay ahead of any potential issues during transit that could delay delivery.

Ship your TV with confidence 

Proper packing and a reliable shipping service can help ensure your TV reaches its destination without any hassle. With insurance coverage, you’ll have peace of mind and financial reimbursement if something does go wrong—and with tracking info, you can keep a close eye on your package’s progress. 

For ecommerce businesses that need to ship fragile and large products like TVs regularly or in quantity, working with an experienced 3PL can offer even greater peace of mind. 

3PLs take the order fulfillment and logistics burden off your hands so you can focus on what really moves the needle in your operation. 

Red Stag Fulfillment has the experience and expertise needed for handling and shipping TVs and other delicate items for businesses—effectively, professionally, and confidently. In fact, we’re an industry leader when it comes to fulfilling big, heavy, and bulky items. 

Ship your TVs and other fragile items with confidence: Reach out today to see how we can simplify your business’s logistics.